During the April 11 meeting of the Winslow City Council, Finance Director Elias Jouen noted the completion of budget requests for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1, explaining that the city has a set budget of $20,000 annually to contribute to various events that include the Standing On The Corner Festival, Christmas Parade, Just Cruis’n Car Club Car Show, and Because We Care. This amount includes the indirect costs of hosting these events such as police and public works personnel.
Councilman Harold Soehner suggested the various organizations being supported take on some of those costs themselves, which could include barrier placement and removal, portable toilet placement and removal, and private security.
City Manager Steve Pauken went on to remind the council and the public of the public benefit each of these events provide. Councilwoman Judy Howell asked Jouen for sales tax reports from the months these events are held in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how much annual revenue is attributed to them.
Jouen made note to comply with Howell’s request, explaining that such reports are, “not an exact science.”
The discussion on the community support budget and its impact concluded with all parties committing to further research on the issues.
Pauken addressed an ongoing topic regarding the use of the defunct rodeo grounds. He informed the council that the search for insurance for events to be held at the rodeo grounds has been unsuccessful. The city does hold liability insurance, which would allow the arena to be used for livestock shows and exhibitions, but would not cover competitive rodeo events.
According to Pauken, parties wishing to host such events would be responsible for insurance and name the City of Winslow as additionally insured.
Rancher Tom Kaufman added that he was able to obtain bids from various companies for some of the renovation that will need to be performed.
That information was passed to the council without further discussion.
Pauken presented a status report that included information on vacancies on the Planning and Zoning Committee and an upcoming vacancy on the Arts Council. Applications for those positions can be found at city hall, 21 N. Williamson Ave.
He also mentioned the recently released Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) report, which is the subject of another story in this edition and is available to view on the city website, www.winslowaz.gov. The city council will be conducting a work session in regards to the findings in the report at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25.
Nicole Nells and the Winslow Residential Hall invited the public to participate and support the Corn is Life relay run, taking place April 22 and 23 at Second Mesa. Members of the Winslow Residential Hall Student Council presented details in both Navajo and English that included emphasis on the desire to expand the student garden at the hall and the teaching of traditional techniques in farming.
The relay will be a two-day event in which participants will collect organic, non-genetically modified corn, bean and squash seeds. Community members are encouraged to donate seeds, as well as run or walk in the free relay. Information on registration or to contribute can be found on Facebook under Corn is Life Run, by contacting Nells at nnells@wrhinc.org or by visiting the Winslow Residential Hall, located at 600 N. Alfred Ave.
Resident and festival promoter Robert Carr addressed the council requesting monetary assistance for the Native American Music Festival to be held Saturday, April 29, at the Winslow Elks Lodge, located at 315 W. Third St. Carr was awarded $1,000 by unanimous vote to assist the event, with Councilmen Curtis Hardy and Marshall Losey not present at the meeting.
A financial update from Navajo County Assistant Manager Bryan Layton was also part of the evening. Layton presented a PowerPoint slide show illustrating the cuts and losses being experienced on the county level. Layton explained that the imminent closures of both the Kayenta coal mine and Cholla Power Plant in Joseph City have contributed to the $1.2 million loss in property tax for Navajo County, and the changes in the coal industry bringing about a 75 percent decrease in revenue nationwide.
The closures of the Juvenile Detention Center in Holbrook and Child Support Enforcement in Navajo County promise to save the county upward of $800,000 annually.
Councilman Tom Chacon asked council members if they were planning to have a representative of Winslow attend the Forest Preservation event to be held in Show Low, to which members of the council responded, saying the event would be researched and they would return to Chacon with an answer.
Councilman Bob Schlesinger invited the council to attend a full-scale exercise on distribution of medication in case of pandemic or disaster taking place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, at the Winslow Fire Department.
In other business, the council:
* Approved renewal of the commission agreement and listing contract 1st Brokers Realty, Ken Berkoff, Designated Broker for the listing and sale of city property as needed.
* Approved a special event liquor license for the Standing on the Corner Foundation event, Cinco de Mayo to be held May 6 at the Eagle Pavilion in a 4-1 vote. Councilwoman Judy Howell her opposition to serving alcohol at a city event with the sole nay vote.
* Approved the conveyance of Lots numbered 15-18 at 1520 W. Third St. to the Winslow School Employees Credit Union using a quit claim deed and requiring no further payment from WSECU.
* Authorized the adoption of demolition and clearance guidelines for the upcoming fiscal year, as brought forth by Community Development Director Paul Ferris.
Proclamations included April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, with Krystal Merenda accepting the proclamation on behalf of Parenting Arizona; the week of April 9-15 as National Library Week, with Docia Blaylock accepting the proclamation; and April 9-15 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, with members of the Winslow Police Department and dispatchers accepting the proclamation.
The next scheduled council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25, in the council chambers.
